title: "I have chosen to live life abundantly": perceptions of leisure by adults who use augmentative and alternative communication.
abstract: An online focus group was used to investigate perceptions of eight adults with cerebral palsy who used AAC systems about their recreation activities and leisure experiences. Six themes emerged from discussions on benefits of leisure and community recreation: improved physical health, enjoyment, improved mental health, increased independence, enhanced social connections, and education of society. Nine barriers to leisure participation were identified including: personal, social, communication, technology, financial, accessibility, safety, transportation, and personal care attendants. Despite numerous barriers to leisure, participants described six supports that helped them overcome these barriers: personal, social, family, personal care attendants, AAC devices, and other assistive technologies. Participants provided recommendations for other individuals who use AAC, their families, and service providers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. jxd8@psu.edu
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dattilo
authors.forename: Gus
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Estrella
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Estrella
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Light
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McNaughton
authors.forename: Meagan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seabury
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D014910:Wheelchairs